Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej – the world’s longest-reigning monarch – emerged from the hospital Wednesday to speak to his country and mark his 85th birthday, calling for unity in the politically fractured nation.

The monarch said that he had always believed “that your best wishes and goodwill to each other is an important key to making unity happen,” speaking softly at the balcony of the Dusit Palace while seated in a golden throne. “If Thais keep this morality in mind, I hope that Thailand will … maintain its strength in the long run.”